Rutland police search for dead dog's killer

RUTLAND — Police and animal control are investigating how a dead dog they believe was intentionally killed ended up on a rural roadside.

The dog was discovered Monday by a resident walking a dog along River Road, Animal Control Officer Laura Pease said. It had been at the site less than 24 hours, she said.

"It was blood-covered, and there were no obvious injuries," Officer Pease said.

But an X-ray revealed the dog had been killed purposely, and there were no indications it had been struck by a car.

Evidence at the scene and on the dog indicated it was killed elsewhere and brought to River Road where it was dragged about 50 feet off the street down an embankment, police said. The dog could be from a neighboring town or farther away, which might explain why no one called to report it missing or claim it when Officer Pease posted on Craigslist that it had been found.

Detective Troy Chauvin said he is angry about the case. Lt. Alan Borgal from the Animal Rescue League of Boston is assisting in the investigation.

"It's very disturbing," Detective Chauvin said. "I know someone knows something about this dog, and I wish that person would come forward."

The dog appeared to have been in good health, perhaps a bit overweight, Officer Pease said. The dog is a male with no microchip to identify its owners. She said it is probably some mix of yellow lab and about 7 to 9 years old. Because the dog's nails were trimmed and there was a mark left by a collar, Detective Chauvin is worried the dog was a pet that found its way into the wrong hands.

"I'm concerned that there is a family out there that is missing their dog, and they're probably devastated," he said.

The Rutland Police Department posted a photograph of the dead dog on the department's Facebook page, and while the image is somewhat graphic, Officer Pease said she hopes someone will recognize it.

"It was not our plan to upset anyone, but I could describe all day a yellow-lab-type dog and people would envision it differently," she said.

The news has drawn a strong reaction from residents, including a 10-year-old boy whose mother allowed him to use her Facebook account to comment.

"I am 10 years old, and seeing this picture broke my heart. I just had to have my dog put to sleep this past summer. I miss him so much. I hate whoever did hurt this dog. It's sad and the dog did not deserve to be hurt and left to die. Please find whoever hurt the dog, and put them in jail for a very long time. Please," he wrote.

Detective Chauvin said he hopes to do just that if he finds the person who killed the dog, and he encouraged anyone who may have information about the dog to provide it to police by calling (508) 886-4033.

Contact Kim Ring at kring@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimmring.